India, Slovakia agree to strengthen economic and defence ties, review regional and global issues of mutual interests

India and Slovakia reviewed their bilateral engagement and discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest during Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi on Friday.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides also discussed developments in the neighbourhoods of India and Slovakia, EU, Ukraine conflict, India’s G20 Presidency, cooperation in multilateral fora, and UNSC reforms.

Both sides, as per the Ministry, also discussed furthering relations in trade and investments, health and pharmaceuticals, science and technology, defence and cultural linkages.

Both countries share a robust bilateral relationship, and have regular exchanges at both political and official levels.

Trade between India and Slovakia has reached new highs in recent years, despite the adverse effects of the pandemic.

At the FOC, while the Indian side was led by Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sanjay Verma, the Slovakian side was led by Michal Pavúk, Director General for Political Affairs in that country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As per the MEA, both sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations at mutually convenient dates in Bratislava, the national capital of Slovakia.

India and Slovakia are celebrating 30 years of establishment of diplomatic relations.

Earlier on June 2-3, 2022, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had paid an official visit to Slovakia, which was the first ever visit at the level of EAM since its creation in 1993.

India and Slovakia share close and friendly ties based on common values of democracy, rule of law, freedom, and equality.

During his two-day visit to Slovakia last year, EAM Jaishankar had called on Eduard Heger, Prime Minister of Slovakia and had delegation level talks with Foreign Minister Korčok.

EAM Jaishankar, as per the Ministry, had also invited Slovakia to join the International Solar Alliance.

Jaishankar had also participated in the GLOBSEC 2022 Forum held in Bratislava and spoke on the topic ‘Taking Friendship to the Next Level: Allies in the Indo-Pacific Region’.

On the sidelines of the GLOBSEC 2022 Forum, EAM Jaishankar had held a meeting with Alexander Schallenberg, Minister of European and International Affairs of Austria.

During that meeting, as per the MEA, Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg had warmly recalled his visit to India in March 2022 and conveyed that it was very productive and had led to further strengthening of our partnership, especially in fields of business and culture.